UBU

Do you stand out in a crowd?

We are in a season of “first days” as fall semesters and new school years begin.  Within all of the excitement of a “first day” there is inevitably some amount of stress as we attempt to make good first impressions.  Many will pay special attention to what they wear, how they interact with others, etc.  This year virtual participants even think about what their backgrounds look like. 

One of the frequently touted advantages to being in college is that “you get to wear pjs to class.”  I chose jeans and a t-shirt but I was comfortable and that was a big deal.  “Zooming out” from appearance I think it’s safe to say that we find comfort in being ourselves and that trying to be something else will create stress and anxiety.  

Most of the time we don’t “fit in.”  I believe this to be true because who God created in each of us is simply bigger.  In those moments where we realize that we don’t fit in we can make adjustments and try to do better next time.  We also have the opportunity to realize that while we may not fit into that particular moment if we “zoom out” that moment is part of a greater moment that we fit perfectly into.

When the church was just beginning Peter, entering the temple, healed a man who was crippled.  Taking his hand Peter tells him “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!”  The man gets up, walks into the temple and begins leaping and praising God.  I think it’s fair to say that in that moment this guy didn’t quite fit in with the normal temple scene.  It didn’t really matter to him because all he wanted to do was respond to God.  The fact that he drew everyone’s attention led to thousands of people hearing about and becoming believers in Jesus.  We are made and led to fit into a bigger picture.

It is hard to be ourselves and it’s even harder to live into God’s call in our lives.  Find comfort in knowing that you are created to fit into a much bigger picture and that in the moments that you “stand out” God is working through you to do great things.

“Jumping up, he began to walk around. He entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God.”

‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭3:8-9‬ ‭CEB‬‬